Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 606: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding available to local authorities for grants schemes for the replacement of windows in private homes; the proportion of the total replacement cost that is made available to local authorities; and the amount of this funding that has been drawn down in each of the past three years. [5129/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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There are a number of schemes currently in operation under which grant aid is available for the replacement of windows in private houses.

The essential repairs grant scheme enables people in houses, which cannot be made habitable in all respects at a reasonable cost, to have basic works, including the replacement of windows, carried out to them. The scheme is directed primarily at older persons living in poor housing conditions. The effective maximum grant under the scheme is €9,523 and may cover up to 100% of the cost of works. My Department funds 2/3 of the cost of the grant, with the local authority funding the remainder.

Aid is also available under the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly scheme, which is operated by the Health Service Executive, for necessary repairs to make a dwelling habitable for the lifetime of the occupant. Funding for the scheme is provided through the National Lottery.

Expenditure in 2006 on the Essential Repairs Grant and Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Schemes is not yet available. Expenditure details for 2003, 2004 and 2005 are set out below. Details are not available within my Department in relation to amounts spent specifically on the replacement of windows under these schemes.